Teachers, students came down with 12th Man flu

SEATTLE — The Seattle Public Schools sent out a letter Wednesday detailing all student and teacher absences, presumably people who were attending the Seahawks Championship parade.

At least 565 teachers and more than 13,500 students were absent Wednesday. On any average day, between 270-400 teachers are absent, and around 3,000 students.

Here is the full release from the Seattle Public Schools:

Seattle Public Schools is reporting 565 teachers absent today, out of nearly 3,000 teachers total. On average, there are between 270-400 teachers out per day. Note that some of these absences may be due to illness or other pre-arranged absences.

78.1 percent of those absences were filled with substitute teachers (the rest of the positions filled by other teachers, instructional assistants, etc. In addition, staff from Central Office are in schools to assist).

A total of 13,523 students reported absent as of this morning, out of 51,000 students enrolled in the district. For comparison purposes, there were 2,770 student absences yesterday.

We have heard that many of our schools are taking an opportunity to celebrate the Seahawks win by viewing the parade live during lunch and that staff and students are wearing blue in honor of our team’s Super Bowl victory.

Our transportation reports that all buses arrived safely at schools this morning and they will be leaving the bus lots early in order to start the departure routes on time. We also have staff at the City of Seattle Emergency Operations Center to ensure good coordination and support to our schools.

“We appreciate the efforts of our teachers, principals and staff in our schools to ensure our students have the opportunity both to learn today, and to take some time to celebrate the Seahawks in their school community,” Superintendent José Banda said.

“We congratulate our Super Bowl winners on a terrific season and thank them for showing our students what commitment and hard work can accomplish.”